The complexity of gear concepts, often misunderstood by young children, highlights the need for educational frameworks beyond simple play. To examine the effects of using the prediction, observation, and explanation (POE) model in building block activities, a true experimental design was implemented. A total of 49 preschoolers were randomly…

Empirical and theoretical literature on cooperative problem solving in preschool children suggests that integrating features of play into structured, experimental settings should increase the benefits of joint peer interactions and task performance. Four- and five-year-old peer dyads completed a playful, flexible, and child-driven building task or…

Preschool children interacted with an adult model who was either low or highly rewarding to the child. Later the model displayed either a high or low degree of positive affect as he played with a nonpreferred toy. The model's affect influenced both the children's ratings of and imitative play with the toy. (Author/RD)

Attempts to identify deficits in object knowledge specific to the autistic syndrome. Examines the correspondence between sensorimotor and play behaviors and language in mentally retarded and normal children. Determines whether these correspondences are different for autistic, mentally retarded, and normal children.(Author/AS)

Examines traditional Native Americans' emphasis on the value of understanding the learning process and a holistic curriculum and the Native Americans' perspective toward teaching and learning. Discusses how contemporary educators can learn from a traditional Native American learning model. (LC)